UB Students Against Sweatshops rallied outside the Student Union on Tuesday afternoon, proclaiming another activist victory, this time in their quest for "justice for janitors."
With about 70 students and community members on hand, event speakers praised the recent UB announcement to cease the outsourcing of custodial work. Protestors were adamant, however, that more work needs to be done.
"There are still a number of things we have concerns about," said Colin O'Malley, a member of Students Against Sweatshops. "While it's a potential victory, we're trying to make sure it's a real victory."
UB officials announced Friday, only days before the rally, that the university will make all custodial workers unionized in a transitional phase that will begin in early July. Wages for custodial staff will be increased to $10.60 an hour, with benefits.
High staff turnover rates, and competitive bidding among contractors have led to quality concerns.
"There's a direct link between quality assurance problems and low wages of janitors," said Michael Dupre, associate vice president for University Facilities. "We're interested in having a top-quality program."
The demonstration was organized in support of subcontracted janitors who make $7.03 an hour, compared to the $10.75 an hour of their in-house, union counterparts.
"We feel the workers involved in this process are not going to keep their jobs. We're going to fight like hell so that they will," said Students Against Sweatshops member Maura Pellettieri, who spoke at the rally. "We're very excited, but also very cautious."
The crowd chanted, "Living wage now!" Students carried signs that read, "Equal Pay for Equal Work," "Can't Live on $7.00 an hour," and "Don't hire new ones, help the workers."
"We have been downsized significantly over the last 10 years," said Flo Tripi, president of the Civil Services Employees Association, local 602, which currently represents about 70 custodial workers. "We're happy for the announcement and now we have to put their feet to the fire in making the transition take place and as quickly as possible."
"Ain't no power but the power of the people," the throng yelled as they marched from outside the Student Union to Capen Hall.
Officials have been working on changes in custodial staffing for a year and a half with the help of a consultant, and said the decision to stop outsourcing was unrelated to the Students Against Sweatshops rally.
Group members, however, disagree.
Pellettieri pointed to the fact that janitor campaign was started just this past fall, and presented to the administration on Dec. 1.
"Four months later, we already have what we asked for, even though there's a transitional process to go through now," she said.
"They made a decision to have the rally regardless of what UB did," said Dennis Black, vice president for Student Affairs.
As the temperature dropped and snow swirled, students said they didn't mind coming out in the cold in support of the rally.
"We believe America is at grave risk if we don't support labor rights in this country," said Justin Frost, a junior history major.
"I love the fact that in college we can actually go out and do these things," said Rachel Goebel, a freshman chemistry major.
For Jillian Gregorie, a freshman undecided major, the janitors are essential to the university.
"These janitors are the reason UB runs," Gregorie said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
